The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 1:31 p.m., in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. Elmer Jenkins Vice Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt

Members: Mr. Jim C. Bailey

Mrs. Barbara Morris

Mrs. Vanette Webb

School Board Attorney: Mr. Louis F. Ray, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Jenkins called the workshop to order at 1:31 p.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed the additions and deletions to the agenda.

PRESENTATION: UPDATE ON SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FROM SEMMES MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Mr. Otha Leverette, III, Principal, Semmes Montessori Academy, reported that chairpersons and staff were designated to address specific goals, and the SIP team met with the District team, including math, language, and reading specialists, to develop strategies and evaluation techniques to implement the School Improvement Plan (SIP) for 1998-99.

Ms. Deborah Roby, Montessori Teacher, reported on Goal 3.1.2.1 to increase by 1% the combined average of fourth grade students scoring 2.5 or greater on the Florida Writes Assessment. Data for the prior year (1997-98) revealed that 61% of the students scored 2.5 or higher on the Florida Writes. Semmes K-5 teachers will attend a workshop in November on power writing and Rubric scoring, and there will be on-going replications of components of the workshop. Strategies to be implemented in October will include writing prompts, expository and descriptive, via closed circuit television, as well as use of the computers and video tapes focusing on writing skills. Portfolios will be maintained on each child for documentation and assessment, with a conference every six weeks to evaluate writing skills. All K-5 teachers will show evidence of instructions of power writing or another writing program by documentation through lesson plans and student portfolios. Upon inquiry from Chairman Jenkins, Ms. Roby advised that activities such as pep rallies are planned for students prior to taking tests; in addition, letters are sent to inform parents of upcoming tests. Mrs. Webb stated that some of the teachers had indicated there were not adequate materials in the classroom. Mr. Leverette stated that a survey had been done indicating that a number of teachers had not ordered materials and he emphasized that any teachers who wished to order additional materials may do so. He referenced a letter from Dr. Andrew Martin, American Montessori Society, who conducted a site visit at Semmes on September 16-19, 1998, and indicated that the Montessori materials are sufficient for the environments at the school.

Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, noted that if additional materials were needed, there would be dollars available from the no-cost extension (grant) which could be used partly for that purpose.

Ms. Dianne Kildow, Educational Resource Teacher, reported on Goal 3.1.2.2 to reduce the percentage of students in grades 1-5 whose total reading scores are at or below the 25th percentile on the CAT. Strategies are to reduce the student-teacher ratio for more individualized instruction and implement an extended day program for reading remediation beginning in October. Reading improvement materials will include Test Best and Scoring High, Reader Rabbit, Book It Program, Jostens, Accelerated Reader Program, phonics videos, as well as Drop-Everything-and-Read at all grade levels, and participation in the RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Program. The District Reading Specialist will hold a ten-week in-service course for six teachers in grades 1-3 in October through December. A faculty member who attended the 1998 Summer Institute for Reading and Writing will replicate components of the institute throughout the school year. Mrs. Webb inquired concerning math and reading scores and was advised that last year 55.34% of the students in grades 1-5 scored at or below the 25th percentile in reading on the CAT, and 47.69% in grades 2-5 scored at or below the 25th percentile in math.

Ms. Margie McCorvey, Guidance Counselor, reported on Goal 3.1.2.3 to reduce the percentage of students in grades 2-5 whose total math score is at or below the 25th percentile on the CAT. Strategies include reducing student-teacher ratio for individualized instruction and implementation of extended day sessions for math remediation beginning in October. Materials to be utilized will include Montessori Math, Math Their Way, Mighty Math, Math Blaster, Test Best and Scoring High, and the Silver Burdette Ginn Series for skill acquisition. Math in-service for teachers will be offered in November, and a teacher will attend the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference in October and share the information with the faculty. Dr. DeWitt expressed concern that the emphasis is on grades 2-5 and spoke in favor of spending some remediation monies to target 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds. Ms. McCorvey noted that there is remediation for all of the grades. Mr. May stated that the funding criteria is under the control of the State Legislature, and the upcoming legislative session will address the possibility of taking Pre-K out of from under the K-12 system. Chairman Jenkins emphasized that Semmes could not be held responsible for 3-year olds and younger.

Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, stated that year-round school is being considered and a determination will be made in January. She added that the Semmes 3- and 4-year olds are served at the Petree Pre-Kindergarten Center and that some of the Title I monies are used for Pre-K. There are also opportunities for pre-school children to participate in reading programs, as well as the FRAME program, and Head Start.

Mrs. Webb commented that schools had presented School Improvement Plans earlier in the year and that information should be shared between schools relative to successful strategies, such as at Weis Elementary, where activities have been implemented for math and reading success. Chairman Jenkins stated that the Board needs to give Semmes time to work on the strategies presented, compare test scores, and bring the results back to the Board.

The following item was moved forward:

 VII. PURCHASING

3.0 MISCELLANEOUS

Schools

3.2 Unauthorized purchase of (2650) Student/Teacher "Premier School Agenda" booklets

Chairman Jenkins asked Mr. Larry Huntley, Principal, Pensacola High School, to provide an explanation concerning the unauthorized purchase of student planners. Mr. Huntley stated that he had written a letter explaining that he had talked with staff and verified that the purchase could be made out of school advisory funds, but he

should have followed with a requisition. Each student gets a planner, which includes an extensive curriculum emphasizing goal-setting and study skills. Mrs. Morris commented that the Superintendent has done a very good job of trying to keep unauthorized purchases down and has expressed that to the principals and department heads. Chairman Jenkins thanked Mr. Huntley for the explanation.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda order.

PRESENTATION: UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL

Ms. McArthur stated that at the December meeting, the Board had requested that the

Superintendent develop an implementation plan for a foreign language program in elementary schools, with a report to be provided back to the Board this month. The plan was to address delivery models, pilot sites, projected costs, and recommended languages to be piloted. Based on a survey of the 38 elementary schools, 24 indicated support for a foreign language program and most indicated that it should be integrated into the current curriculum or an after school program. After gathering results and talking with people, a committee (consisting of elementary school personnel, high school and middle school language teachers, and District personnel who are involved in language arts) recommended offering three pilot programs (Lipscomb, Weis, and Sherwood Elementary). Weis and Sherwood already have programs and staff, and those schools could be supported by providing supplies, materials, and pay for teachers so that the programs could be extended to after school. An after school program was recommended at Lipscomb, with Lipscomb and Weis to offer French and Spanish, and Sherwood would offer Spanish. Ms. McArthur noted the cost of implementation was estimated at $11,000 to $12,000 and that Title 6 monies for innovative projects could be used. Dr. DeWitt commended staff and distributed copies of a motion that he will present at the Board meeting "to support the implementation of the three pilot programs (Lipscomb, Weis, and Sherwood) that are occurring this school year, the funding by grants and the evaluation process. Additionally, I move that we actively work to expand the program for the school year 1999-2000, with emphasis on Immersion. Further, we should involve School Advisory Councils in future planning to see what programs they believe would be beneficial to their individual school populations."

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. 6Gx17-3.15 ACQUISITION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Mrs. Webb asked for an explanation concerning language deleted under part B relative to Florida Statutes 287 (administrative procedures for evaluation). Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, advised that Florida Statute 287 was referenced in the rule. Mrs. Morris added that if the statute changed, it would not be necessary to readvertise because the statute is referenced in the rule. Upon inquiry from Mrs. Webb, Dr. Epperson stated that F.S. 287 would also be followed if the design and build method was utilized.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Mrs. Morris expressed that she had several questions on out-of-county transfers,

especially in areas where there had been overcrowding; i.e., Ransom Middle School, Bailey Middle School, and Hellen Caro Elementary. She noted that some cases (not employees of the District) involve child care issues when the students are out of District, and the letters that

go out to the parents should convey that transfer would only be on a space available basis and that they may not be afforded transportation. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, stated that the letters to the parents address that transportation is not likely to be provided, but Board policy says it is up to the principal to determine whether there is room and he or she approves it.

Mrs. Morris noted that a District employee (who resides in Pace) has a child who will be attending Brentwood Middle School since Pace Middle School will no longer have any hearing impaired students attend. She stated that there was no problem with the transfer, but it should be noted that this is another student coming from Santa Rosa County, although Santa Rosa allows no child to go to school in that District unless they live there.

Mrs. Webb asked for clarification on how information is obtained on proposed developments throughout the county, as well as the process for the School Board to communicate concerns back to the county before permits are issued. Mr. Brock stated that projections provided by the county do warrant monitoring and participating with county planning, and that information can be provided to Board Members.

Mrs. Morris discussed an item concerning a new kindergarten student and a second grade student at Hellen Caro regarding the issue of child care. She commented that this was not an employee of the District and did not get approval until December of 1997, which may have been after the Board voted to freeze entry into Hellen Caro. Mr. Brock indicated that he would research that. He also noted that if they were currently enrolled or had a sibling there, they would be eligible to continue. Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns regarding overcrowding at Hellen Caro and asked what could be done pending completion of the new school. Mr. May stated that would be the Board's discretion, noting that additional portables have been placed, and enrollment has been restricted. He also noted that building an addition at Pleasant Grove Elementary will help. Mrs. Morris commented that when students were brought from the base to Pleasant Grove, it was with the understanding that a school would be built, and there needs to be a boundary change between Pleasant Grove and Hellen Caro. Dr. DeWitt asked if there was an immediate solution. Mr. May stated that there are also problems at Ransom Middle School, Tate High School, and Jim Allen Elementary, and the key is getting the K-8 school built as quickly as possible, and then there will be redistricting. He also stated that current policies need to be maintained in a proactive manner.

Mrs. Webb stated regarding concurrency issues, that the School Board needs to send a message to the County Commission concerning the impact of overcrowded schools, that the Board has enacted a moratorium and that no development should be granted that would impact Hellen Caro. She asked that Mr. Brock bring information back to the Board on proposed developments that are granted and any which could potentially impact Hellen Caro. Dr. Epperson advised that a proposed Interlocal Agreement with the county will be presented to the School Board as early as next month that would allow for the flow of information in that regard. Mr. Bailey suggested pursuing the possibility of representation on the Planning Board. Dr. Epperson stated that staff will look into that possibility. Mr. Bailey also commented that if redistricting is done, he would ask that the Board and Superintendent try to inform people a year of ahead of time (before the new school opens) for planning purposes. Mrs. Morris noted that most planning and zoning boards are supposed to have School District representation. Chairman Jenkins indicated that he would check with the Florida School Board Association.

Dr. Epperson reported that due to potential wetlands mitigation, a purchase price has not yet been negotiated on the Dog Track Road property. Staff hopes to have this resolved by the October Board Meeting.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

1. Appointments

Mrs. Webb obtained clarification that there were additional positions due to increased enrollments.

8. Special Requests

(4) Request approval to revise the job description of STOP Coordinator.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris as to the number of STOP Programs, Mr. Jerome Watson, Deputy Superintendent, advised that there is one STOP Program located at Semmes Montessori Academy.

B. Educational Support Personnel

7. Special Requests

(6) Request approval to establish a Maintenance Mechanic I position, pay grade 16, at George Stone.

Mrs. Webb noted this involved abolishing a vacant Maintenance Worker II position and a vacant part-time Custodial Worker I position (in order to replace those with the Maintenance Mechanic I), and she asked about the budgetary impact. Mr. May indicated that the impact would be a slight budgetary savings.

VI. FINANCE

9. Budget Amendment.

Mrs. Webb inquired concerning taking $50,000 away from electrical renovations, noting that concerns had been expressed about wiring that needs to be replaced in the administrative building. After discussion, Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance Services, advised that a preventative maintenance cycle has been established to address wiring and HVAC problems.

 VII. PURCHASING

2.0 AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AND PURCHASE

Schools

2.2 Paperback books requested by the Director of Elementary Education

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, verified that the purchase was for 20,300 paperbacks, 14 titles, and roughly 1450 of each title. Ms. McArthur advised that this was part of the "Parents to Kids" grant for books to help pre-school children learn to read.

2.3 Computer Lab for Juvenile Justice Center

Mrs. Morris noted several funding sources and asked what portion of the total funding would come from textbook flexibility. Mr. Boyer responded that 12% was coming from textbook flexibility funds. Mrs. Morris asked if the computers would be carried on School District inventory, and Mr. Boyer stated he thought that was the case.

3.0 MISCELLANEOUS

3.4 Change Order #1 to Purchase Order #178415 (Bell South Communication, Pensacola, FL)

Mrs. Morris requested an explanation concerning increased port usage. Mr. Boyer advised that the maintenance cost for the phone system is based on increased level of usage, increased number of ports coming into the building, and increased demands on maintenance.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Webb, Mr. David Kellum, Director of Instructional Technology, stated that there is a network connection with Internet capabilities in the School Board Office, but whether the machine has a search engine or not would have to be determined.

3.6 Change Order #1 to Purchase Order #167186 (R. D. Ward Construction Inc., Pensacola, FL) - Re: Classroom addition at Ferry Pass Middle School

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, verified that there was money in the budget for furniture. Dr. DeWitt stated that according to the principal, no furniture had been ordered and the school has been open six weeks. Mr. Kirchharr indicated he would address that with the principal.

3.8 Change Order #2 to Purchase Order #173646 (R. D. Ward Construction Inc.,

Pensacola, FL)

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mr. Kirchharr advised that the walk-in coolers are located at Sherwood and Bellview Elementary.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

2. MISCELLANEOUS:

a. ESCAMBIA HIGH SCHOOL

Request Board approval of the spot survey on Escambia High School for submittal to the Department of Education in Tallahassee.

Mrs. Morris questioned language under item c (site expansion: none) as to whether that would limit the Board in terms of future land purchases. Dr. Epperson advised that Florida Statutes and state standards apply and there is nothing that prohibits the District from buying additional property for schools; however, local monies would have to be used due to state requirements. After discussion, Mrs. Morris commented that there could be more dollars for Escambia out of classroom first (to include the ESE building) if the survey is approved and would help with some of the overcrowding. Upon inquiry from Mrs. Webb, Dr. Epperson advised that the survey is for identification of needs at the school and the Board was not committing any dollars at this time. Mr. Kirchharr added that specific projects will be identified in the Master Plan with a phased approach.

c. PURCHASE OF NORTH "B" STREET PROPERTY

Request Board approval of purchase of property on North B Street (Lot

#18-2S-30-3007-000-001) between the Escambia County School District and Mr. Toye Jenkins for Pensacola High School in accord with the one-half cent sales tax expenditures.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Dr. Epperson reviewed the status of various parcels and identified locations on the map. Mrs. Webb noted the contract in the backup materials referenced a closing date of August 31, 1998, and Dr. Epperson stated that would be revised to reflect September 30, 1998.

Concerning property by Cook Elementary (item not on the agenda), Mrs. Morris

stated that she had talked with Dr. Epperson and had gotten information on some outlying properties, noting that the land purchase for Cook is in the one-half cent sales tax for year five; however, the resolution on the one-half cent sales tax issue would allow that to be moved up if property became available. Mrs. Morris noted that there are some lots (one facing Lloyd Street and one facing Lee Street) that are reasonably priced, and several lots on Lloyd Street (where 13th ends), that are very reasonably priced and could be looked at for possible purchase. Mr. Kirchharr stated that the school will open in the fall of 1999. Mrs. Morris commented that it would probably be in the best interest of the Board and the school itself to look at some property for the playground and parking. Dr. Epperson noted that will be proceeding before long.

Regarding Edgewater Road construction (item not on the agenda), Mrs. Morris stated that she hoped that the appraisal will come back in a timely fashion and that the Board will go ahead with obtaining that property so that we can get the road while it is still in the county budget with the Warrington Revitalization project. Dr. Epperson advised that the appraisal has been requested.

Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning the status of the Holm Elementary plans. Mr. Kirchharr stated that there was no hold up. They are still on track and staff will provide a schedule on bidding and construction to the Board. Mrs. Morris asked if the process could be expedited. Mr. Kirchharr stated that Department of Education review will begin prior to Board approval in order to expedite the process.

Dr. DeWitt asked if drawings for the K-8 school were proceeding and Mr. May indicated that the architects are drawing the plans. Mrs. Webb stated that she had talked with Mr. Tom Harrell, Principal, Lipscomb Elementary School, about serving on the committee since the Lipscomb plans are being used. Mr. Kirchharr stated that he had addressed that with the architect, and they intend that Mr. Harrell be involved in helping modify the plans. Mrs. Morris added that representation will also be needed at the middle school level as well.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

1. Agreement between School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Gulf Wind Council of Campfire, Inc.

Mrs. Morris asked which schools were involved, and Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that they have not been selected yet.

13. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Philosophy.

Dr. DeWitt requested an explanation on the philosophy statement, noting that there are Board policies and procedures, as well as a resolution adopted by the Board last year. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, advised that the Least Restrictive Environment policy is enclosed in the Special Programs and Procedures which is adopted by the Board. In 1996 a committee looked at inclusion and least restrictive environment and a policy was presented to the Board in 1996. She stated that the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) had conducted a visit last year, and a part of the resolution was to have a Least Restrictive Environment policy

that was adopted by the Board, so a committee was formed consisting of parents, ESE Advisory Council, and staff to review the policy that was previously adopted to see if there were any changes in philosophy. She advised that the documentation had been requested as part of the resolution compliance for submission to OCR by September 30, 1998. Dr. DeWitt spoke in favor of updating the philosophy statement to incorporate language referenced in new federal and state laws reflecting "student first" and disability second. He expressed concerns regarding placement based on resources instead of the needs of children and recommended that the Board hold back on this for purposes of updating the statement to 1998 law and philosophy that would be more supportive of least restrictive environment. After discussion, Mr. Pettis expressed that changes could be incorporated at the Board's direction, but would ask that committee members be contacted relative to any updates. Mr. May asked that proposed changes be submitted to Ms. Gray for follow-up with the committee. After discussion, Chairman Jenkins asked that Dr. DeWitt confer with staff and provide the recommendations in writing.

Mr. Bailey left the workshop at 3:20 p.m. due to another commitment.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

B. PROPERTY CONTROL

1. Inventory Adjustment Reports

Mrs. Morris expressed concern regarding some newer items that were missing from two middle schools. Mr. Ray Donnelly, Property Control Manager, stated that a camera was stolen from Bailey Middle School and a property incident report was done. He clarified that on a property incident report, an item would still be listed unless Risk Management pays for it.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mrs. Morris inquired regarding a student who had felony charges off campus. Mr. May stated that after thorough investigation, the Police Department was convinced that the student had no part in the matter, and the student's school record was also good.

Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning a student who had pulled a fire alarm. Mr. Darriel White, Court Liaison, advised that the student had pulled fire alarms on six occasions and did not stop until caught.

Mrs. Webb referenced a newspaper article about the Florida High School Online and stated that may be an option for students in alternative programs that would give them more opportunity to concentrate on behaviors. Mr. Pettis advised that a representative from the Florida High School met with high school principals last Tuesday and had indicated that alternative programs would be appropriate and would be addressed further at an upcoming state meeting. Mrs. Webb stated that she serves on the state committee and would like to be informed of any meetings regarding Florida High School Online.

Mrs. Morris shared with the Board that former Superintendent, Dr. Pete Payton, had a heart attack this morning and that staff had provided an update on his condition.

Mr. May announced that a school bus coming from Bailey Middle School was involved in a traffic accident today at Blue Angel Parkway and Dog Track Road, where a car ran a red light and hit the bus. He reported that the bus driver was hurt and no students were injured. He conveyed that an ambulance was en route, and staff members were at the scene.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Item from the Board - Chairman Jenkins

Chairman Jenkins stated that he would address concerns at the Board Meeting regarding Wedgewood Middle School noting that 56 students who should be attending Wedgewood are now attending Beulah Charter School, and the Board had dictated that the Charter School would not take more than ten students from any middle school. He noted the adverse impact on Wedgewood in loss of teaching units. Mrs. Webb commented that Florida Statutes do not allow putting a restriction on Charter Schools. She expressed that the children are receiving a good education and political differences should not be allowed to adversely impact children. Mrs. Morris stated that the Board erred in one part because the Charter School had proposed that they could successfully operate with between 75 and 100 students and the Board capped them at 100; in addition, Mr. Tracy Bailey in Tallahassee went strictly by the fact that they had not reached their cap, but should have looked at the Board policy regarding enrollment. She commented that when readdressing the cap for the Charter School, the Board needs to pay close attention to the cap per grade level because students will be taken from Wedgewood each year.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

There was no discussion concerning this item.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA Uniserv, spoke concerning the Least Restrictive Environment philosophy statement and asked that any revisions take into consideration resources, availability to deliver resources, and the impact on employees and students.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, the following meeting dates were scheduled:

October 26, 1998, 1:30 p.m. Regular Board Workshop

October 27, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting

The Board Attorney stated that he was unable to attend the workshop and that he would ask Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, to attend. Mrs. Morris requested input from the Board regarding the November meetings in that there will be two new Board Members, and she noted that the Board Meeting date was changed from November 24 to November 17 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Chairman Jenkins requested that the swearing in take place on November 17, with a separate Board Meeting afterwards. Discussion was held to the effect that the November workshop will be conducted with the current Board, and incoming Board Members will be invited to attend and ask questions. New members will also be provided agenda packets starting in October.

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

_____________________ ______________________________

Superintendent Chairman